I'd like others thoughts on being "written-up" at work. Before becoming an RN, I spent 6yrs in the Navy & 10yrs in Business. In all those yrs, not once was I written-up for anything. I've been working on the same floor for quite a few yrs & have never seen anything like the write-ups people get, for the most ridiculous reasons. I only know a few people who rec'd warnings for med-errors or patient care (it's rare). Most of the what you're written up for, are minor clerical errors, things that could & should be handled with a quick discussion with Mgmt, if at all.
These are actual notes: You were observed on the video tape with a drink at the Nurses Station - this is not permitted, please make an appt. to discuss this. (The Mgr. walks around the floor all day guzzling coffee, go figure). You clocked in 1 minute late last week, please see me to be re-educated about the importance of being on time. Really? That was the 1 time I was late in all these yrs & I get drug into the office about it. I was late because a lost old man in the lobby, asked me to show him where the ICU was, so he could see his Wife. They didn't care - I got a write-up, that'll teach me not to be nice again.
We recently had a pt that should have been in the ICU, not on our floor. She needed constant care, left little time for our other patients. I work nights & my co-worker who works days, had this same group of pt's all weekend. It was such a heavy load, she ended up having to stay late each night, to get all her charting done. What does she get for staying late to get it all done? A nasty-gram in her box - See the Mgr. about unapproved overtime. If she hadn't done all her charting, she would have been written up for that - you can't win.
It's just so insulting, to be constantly treated like a bunch of Toddlers who need constant supervision. We're a group of conscientious Professionals, that take patient care seriously. My group on nights, keeps the floor running & handles any problem that comes our way, just fine, without the help of any Manager breathing down our necks - but would they ever say Thanks, you did a great job - NEVER!!! All you hear is negative - you forgot to cross a T or dot an i - from someone who hasn't touched a patient in years, if ever.
Recently had a talk with my Brother, a long-time Trauma Nurse in another State. He said he's never heard of so much ridiculous, nit-picking and there were too many hospitals out there that appreciate and value their Nurses, to keep putting up with this. He works for a Union, so I'm wondering if that's why him & his fellow Nurses are treated decently or is it just my place?
